Good Merchandise

Today we received news from my daughter who is pursuing a masters program abroad that the law school that she was accepted to has offered her a sizable scholarship. Praise God! Almost immediately, my husband came up to me and said, "Well done, Teach!"

"What did I have to do with that?" I asked. "She's the one who got the grades and did well on the LSAT?"

He then answered in his profound way, "Do you think if the local high school received news that one of their graduates had accomplished the same thing that they wouldn't broadcast it far and wide to establish the credibility of the education they provide? Of course you had a LOT to do with it!"

Proverbs 31:18a reads: She perceiveth that her merchandise is good...

It is important for us homeschooling moms to realize that we have the privileged responsibility to shape our young ones for their future service in the Kingdom of God. It is important for us to remember that as we sacrifice and strive for our children, to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, that we are doing important work. Further, it is vital that we acquire the correct perception -- that our merchandise is good. For, in numerous places in Scripture we are promised that as we serve Him faithfully in our calling, the Lord will reward our efforts.

Here are some reminders of that fact:

Psalm 1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalm 127
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Psalm 128
Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.